Residents Discouraged From Participating In Group Outdoor Activities

Press release from the City of Richfield:

March 31, 2020

Governor Tim Walz’s recent stay at home order directs Minnesotans to limit movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs. By limiting social interactions, we decrease the chance of transmission of COVID-19 and help our health care sector prepare for increased demands. The order allows individuals to engage in outdoor activities (e.g., walking, hiking, running, biking, driving for pleasure, hunting, or fishing) and may go to available public parks and other public recreation land. However, these activities must be consistent with remaining at least six feet apart from individuals from other households.

Richfield and neighboring cities have noticed that some outdoor activities, including large group gatherings and sports, may be failing to adhere to the Governor’s social distancing requirement. Richfield city leaders want to remind our community to deliberately increase the physical space between us to avoid spreading illness. We all need to do our part to keep each other safe.

Failure to comply with the Governor’s order will result in the metro area reaching peak coronavirus caseload sooner than medical facilities are able to handle. The Governor believes social distancing is so critical that he has included hefty fines for those residents not maintaining a six foot distance and could even result in other criminal penalties.

“We understand people want to maintain their social relationships and activities, but we all need to consider the well-being of our neighbors, friends, and families,” emphasized City Manager Katie Rodriguez. “Please think of others before engaging in group activities.”

For more information about the city’s response to COVID-19, including what city facilities are open and closed, please check the city’s website at www.richfieldmn.gov/covid19.

This press release was produced by the City of Richfield. The views expressed here are the author’s own.